Historical background on black sapphires
The main deposits of black sapphires are located on the Australian continent. It was there in 1938 that a twelve-year-old boy discovered a gigantic crystal (its mass was 1156 carats) in one of the deposits.
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The baby's parents did not see anything surprising in this find, but, fortunately, they did not throw it away, coming up with a very original use: they began to prop up the front door with a stone. The gem remained in this role for almost a decade.
And only then was it recognized as a sapphire, which was later sold for eighteen thousand dollars. Jewelers gave it an oval shape, known as a cabochon. As a result of cutting, the weight of the gem decreased to 733 carats, and its price increased to one million dollars.
The giant black sapphire is called the "Black Star of Queensland". In its central part you can see a bright star with six rays, and thanks to small white inclusions the mineral looks even more impressive.
Today, the Queensland black sapphire is the largest representative of this species in the world that has been cut. Now its value is 88 million dollars. It is impossible to establish the exact price at which it was last sold, because the transaction took place in secret.
The “Black Star” was put on display twice - the first time the event was held at the Museum of Natural History (located in Washington), and the second time the stone was shown to the public at the Royal Museum (in Ontario).
Now the black sapphire giant is located at the Smithsonian University in America.
Peculiarities
Like blue and cornflower blue sapphires, this stone is also a variety of corundum. Its main feature, which is more common than other varieties, is the presence of small needle-shaped particles of rutile in the structure. This feature is called the asterism (or “star”) effect.
Usually, the asterism is most clearly visible after the black sapphire has undergone special processing in a good jewelry workshop. By the way, the stars inside it can have a different number of rays: at least three, but there are stones with “stars” of six or even twelve rays. It is not surprising that such beauty gives the stone additional advantages.
General information about the mineral
Black sapphires with asterism are often found in nature. When they undergo processing, stars with three, six or twelve rays appear on their surface.
Black sapphires are divided into translucent and almost opaque.
Not so long ago, those sapphires that actually differ in dark blue or dark green color began to be classified as black. Under artificial light they look almost black, but they actually have a dark gray base.
Stones, contrary to popular belief, are highly valued not for their color characteristics, but for their unusual pearlescent tint and bright shine, reminiscent of a black pearl. But if the color of the mineral was obtained thermally, then it will subsequently be lost under the influence of the sun's rays.
Who suits the name
Sapphire is an excellent assistant to women in love affairs with names such as:
- Lyudmila. Adds compassion, wisdom, flexibility, and the ability to be compassionate.
- Rose – modesty, restraint, chastity, hope and love.
Male names:
- Egor, to give the favor of fate, wisdom.
- Gregory to attract friends, protect against temptation, get rid of internal contradictions.
- Kirill as a symbol of justice, modesty, fidelity.
- Stepan, for whom the mineral will become self-knowledge, the search for goals in life, overcoming laziness and deception.
The mysticism of the black gem
- There is an opinion that a black sapphire is dangerous for its owner and, if worn constantly, will make a person envious and proud. But this opinion is incorrect; most sources claim that the black mineral helps to maintain clarity of mind for a long time and always have an unbiased opinion.
- The gem also improves the perception of the surrounding reality, increases self-esteem, and makes its owner more purposeful, disciplined, and balanced.
- Sapphires with a 6-ray asterism are of particular value. Many world religious teachings say that such a star is a symbol of the conjunction of Venus and Mars, that is, female and male energy. Also valuable are minerals with 3-rayed stars, in the center of which a bright point can be seen: the three rays act as symbols of Faith, Hope and Love, and such a crystal will help deal with ill-wishers.
- Sapphire will give its owner a peaceful mood, make him calmer, improve intuitive abilities, and has strong protective properties (meaning various magical influences from the outside).
- The use of the mineral is recommended for those people who are looking for a job (or want to gain a permanent foothold in an existing one).
- Black sapphire helps fulfill your deepest desires.
- The magical abilities of sapphire are also manifested in changing a person’s character for the better. So, if you wear the stone close to your body, your thoughts will become purer and more sublime, selflessness will appear, and interaction with others will be easier.
- The mineral is quite “mature”, so it is not suitable for young people. As a rule, jewelry with black sapphires is presented to accomplished individuals who have made a successful career and self-realization. In this case, the stone will make the owner wiser, add vitality, calmness and give him a great mood.
- Thanks to the energy of black sapphire, a person easily interprets the true motives of the behavior of others, and is able to acutely sense infidelity, lies and betrayal.
- The gem also suppresses causeless aggression, anxiety and fears. Attracts good luck (business trips, for example, those made by researchers and sailors, will be especially successful).
- Strengthens determination and courage.
- Gives inner harmony and warmth to its owner.
- Helps maintain and increase financial status.
- And the last valuable property - products with black sapphires will always help you fulfill your plans, make a person more self-confident, broaden their horizons and awaken a craving for philosophy.
APPLICATION
Jewelers highly value jewelry inlaid with this stone. It is quite rare and unusual, which is why it costs much more than its light “brothers”. The price per carat (from $350) depends entirely on the clarity, visual appeal, size and cut of the stone.
Magical and healing properties
People have long used the magic of stone to attract success and love, improve relationships with loved ones, and draw additional energy from nature.
The stone was attributed exclusively magical properties, because black sapphire is a rare gem that attracts attention.
Suitable for men who clearly set goals to achieve what they want. It also gives clarity of mind, purity of thoughts, and additional strength.
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Women are no less attracted to gothic sapphire. It is believed that it gives its owner peace of mind and self-confidence, increases self-esteem and protects against the evil thoughts of others. Strengthens intuition and relieves fear and phobias.
Black sapphire bracelet
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
A ring with sapphire is a wonderful gift for zodiac signs ruled by Jupiter or Saturn.
Perfect fit:
- Gives SAGITTARIUS and AQUARIUS success in business and helps in career growth.
- For ARIES, the jewel will help tame his hot temper and look at things more judiciously.
Healing properties of the stone
Every natural mineral, in addition to magical ones, also has healing properties. Lithotherapists are confident that stones are capable of absorbing negative energy vibrations of various pathologies, thereby giving their owners health and excellent well-being. Of course, not all people believe in this, but there are many who prefer stone therapy instead of traditional medications.
As for black sapphire, people since ancient times have noticed its healing properties, manifested in the following:
- the stone reduces high blood pressure (eliminates hypertension);
- normalizes the process of falling asleep;
- successfully copes with frequently recurring colds;
- treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, back;
- will be an indispensable find for asthmatics;
- cope with various bronchopulmonary pathologies and nervous system disorders;
- eliminates eye diseases;
- It is believed that black sapphire will help even in the presence of oncological processes.
But there is one important point here - only those people who have pure thoughts and a noble soul can be healed with the help of a gem. Therefore, if you are choosing jewelry with the described mineral for another person, you should first make sure that the latter will use the magic of sapphire exclusively for his own benefit, and not to harm anyone.
In conclusion, it is worth watching an educational video about black sapphire:
How to spot a fake
Blue corundum is so popular that it has become widely counterfeited. Buyers must be able to recognize counterfeits so as not to buy plastic or artificial sapphire. Methods:
- Scratch the mineral. It is impossible to simply damage real corundum with a knife, needle, or nails. It's very hard. Not afraid of the onslaught of sharp objects.
- Expose to ultraviolet rays. If it changes color to green, it means it’s fake
- Hold it in your hands. A real mineral heats up slowly, but plastic or artificial sapphire heats up faster.
- Examine under a microscope. The structure must be heterogeneous. If there are no irregularities, then it is simply a laboratory product.
It is difficult for an ignorant person to figure it out, so it is better to involve a mineralogist or jeweler. Even the cost of a product does not always equal quality. A natural gem, synthetic material or glass can be passed off as a fake as a sapphire.
The structure of a natural gem is heterogeneous and cool to the touch. Counterfeits (glass, synthetics), on the contrary, will quickly absorb the heat of your hands.
Reference! Sapphire is an expensive gemstone. This means that counterfeits can be found even in jewelry stores. Unscrupulous sellers pass off the mineral as a synthetic stone or a cheap gem. It is always better to consult with a specialist first when purchasing.
Description
This mineral is jewelry corundum, crystalline alumina. On the Mohs hardness scale, only diamond is higher than it. Other characteristics of the stone:
- glass shine;
- high strength;
- dichroism, that is, beam splitting, creating a play of light;
- porous structure, as a result of which completely pure stones are rare.
In addition to the classic blue, there are other shades called fantasy. The colors of sapphire are determined by impurities.
High temperatures discolor the crystal, but x-rays do the opposite. At the beginning of the twentieth century, artificial stones were synthesized.
A wonderful gift
A gift with black sapphires is considered a sign of respect. Nowadays, these stones can be found in many jewelry from famous masters. The image of stylish men and women is emphasized by jewelry with them in the form of pins, cufflinks, necklaces and other items.
The Boucheron Jewelry House came up with wedding rings in the shape of swans: the women's ring with white diamonds, the men's with black sapphire.
Princess Diana liked jewelry sets with this gem; she received them as a gift from the Prince of Saudi Arabia, Sultan Osman and other rulers of the world.
History and myths
In ancient times, black sapphires were feared because they symbolized magic and were used by those who practiced it.
Stones were often inlaid with attributes of power and inserted into the crowns of the highest persons. The monarchs thought that this would give strength, wisdom, and allow them to make the right decisions.
According to legends, the stone was in the seal of King Solomon, the supreme rulers of Ancient Egypt wore it on their necks, and Cleopatra’s crown was studded with dark-colored sapphires.
Boris Godunov also attached sacred, mysterious significance to corundum.
Where is it mined?
The most valuable ones, cornflower blue, come from Indian Kashmir, but there are less than five percent of them. Expensive “Ceylon” blue and rare pink specimens come from Sri Lanka.
A quarter of the world's production comes from Australia. However, these are not the most valuable types of sapphires. The same low quality, with a greenish tint, is found in Southeast Asia.
Technical stones are mined in the Urals and the Kola Peninsula.
